Election

How eagerly are ancient manuscripts prized, and with what care are they examined but no book is so ancient as the book of life, in which are registered the names - * Eh. i. 3, 4. of all those who are written in heaven. This choice was the result of his mere good pleasure. It was not founded on Christ's efforts, nor the fruit of his solicitation, but arose from the sovereignty of God's grace. Still our Lord has the closest connection with election; the book which records it is called the book of the Lamb; his people were chosen in him as their Head, to the enjoyment of that salvation which he was destined to purchase, and to share those honours which were appointed to reward his success. To this choice God was not influenced by any foresight of the good works of the elect. We cannot suppose that he was influenced by the foresight of their intellectual endowments, for he has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the things that are wise; nor of their faith and holiness, for these are not of themselves, but the gift of God. So little does this doctrine countenance presumption, that the wonder which it excites is strongly associated with humility. Let it not be said that the rejection of the wicked proceeds upon the foresight of their depravity, therefore that of election must suppose excellence to be contemplated; for the first is an act of justice, but the last of mercy, which looks to the misery of its object. And it is irreversible. Nothing can take place in the situation or conduct of the chosen, but what was foreseen from eternity. To God's eye, it is as plain in foresight as when it takes place; and the Lord is of one mind, and who can turn him P The language in which this answer states the number of the elect, is marked by much wisdom. Some, in the indulgence of presumption, or in their eagerness to gratify an idle curiosity; and some under the influence of a gloomy spirit, which loves to invest every religious topic and scene with darkness and terror, have pretended to ascertain the exact number of the saved, and have stated one out of nineteen as the amount. I can find no language too strong to reprobate the arrogance and the folly of such representations. Even our Lord himself, when a question was put to him, which might have led him to a disclosure of the numbers written in the book of life, gives such a reply as should repress such curiosity, and stimulate to holy diligence. Henry Belfrage

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